Philippine Folk Dance Adaptation: A Pedagogical Enrichment for Tertiary Physical Education

Abstract

This study addresses the challenge of declining interest in learning Philippine folk dance, attributed to the popularity of modern and pop dances among today's youth. A survey was conducted to gauge students’ interest levels, cultural awareness, and favorability towards modifying traditional dances, revealing a strong positive response. Tiklos, a traditional Filipino folk dance, was selected for adaptation. Modifications included new dance figures and the introduction of hand props, such as hats, to contextualize the da nc e as a farmer’s dance, making it more visually engaging and culturally rooted. The re - choreographed version incorporated six figures, wit h adjusted directions and props to enhance storytelling and visual appeal. The study found that the modifications maintained students' interest and stimulated critical thinking by prompting students to consider how movement and props can portray character and narrative. This approach aligns with Experiential Learning Theory, which posits that learning through experience and reflection fosters deeper understanding and engagement. The research highlights the effectiveness of adapting and modifying folk dances to sustain interest and cultural relevance while also developing students' creative and critical thinking skills in dance education. Furthermore, the research instrument was validated using Cronbach's Alpha, resulting in an internal consistency score of 0.915, indicating high reliability.